Weekly Briefing: Fall Conference Registration is officially open!

October 1, 2025

Things are tough in D.C. right now. The government shutdown is dominating headlines, but climate change demands that we continue to push for policy change. Here at CCL, we work to build common ground for climate solutions, both in Congress and in our communities — and we're not stopping.

“CCL’s willingness to reach across divides and build bridges is what sets us apart, and we’re needed more than ever these days,” says Ricky Bradley, CCL’s Interim Executive Director. “I’m excited about the ways we will help move the conversation forward on clean energy through federal permitting reform, and I’m proud of our ongoing commitment to do this work in a nonpartisan way.”

Our annual Fall Conference, taking place Nov. 14-15 over Zoom, will give you the chance to do all of that. We’ll dive into the policy specifics around permitting reform that you need to know, and we’ll share CCL’s sharpened strategy for making positive change and driving climate progress.

The conference is immediately followed by our virtual lobby week, Nov. 17-21. Conference programming prepares you to speak to your members of Congress with confidence about the next steps we want them to take on climate policy. Save your spot and we'll see you there!

Register now

In other news this week

• Inclusion Conference: We hosted another successful Inclusion Conference last weekend! Special thanks to our Affinity Team leaders and People of the Global Majority Action Team members for making this event possible, and our ASL and Spanish interpreters for making this event inclusive. If you missed the live presentation, see some posts on our Instagram highlight and watch for the recordings on CCL’s YouTube and Vimeo channels soon.

Take action this week

If you have a little time: Share this video about the impacts of climate change on our breakfasts. You never know what will turn a concerned citizen into a climate activist. Maybe it’s their morning orange juice! Watch, comment, and share our latest video about the hidden impacts of climate change on coffee, eggs, and oranges on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Together, we’re saving breakfast.

If you have more time: RSVP to our next virtual letter to the editor (LTE) writing party Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET. You’ll learn the “LTE formula” and receive talking points for your letter that align with CCL’s latest call to action. This event is perfect for first-timers and seasoned LTE writers alike. Register ahead of time to secure your spot.

Featured chapter: CCL Billings

At Rep. Troy Downing’s (MT-R-02) Billings, Montana office, CCLers Ann Schoch and Teresa Wicks recently had a heart-warming visit with a congressional aide. They introduced themselves, discovering that they shared mutual hometown friends and acquaintances.

“We said we hoped our politicians would work with all people on climate, and I thanked him as a young person for working with our members of Congress,” Teresa said.

“We spent 25 minutes with Quinton. Teresa brought flowers with caramel candy tied around the jar and gave it to Quinton. He was touched,” Ann shared. They also brought a letter from another CCL Montana volunteer, which the aide said he would give to the Congressman.

“We enjoyed our visit and think it went very well,” Ann and Teresa said.

Shout out to CCL Billings! The flowers are an excellent way to show your appreciation 💐

For more inspiration, check out our roundup of chapter outreach events from August.

Upcoming trainings

10/02: What Did the Clean Energy Tax Credits Achieve In Emissions Reductions? - CCL volunteers put a lot of work into pushing and protecting the Inflation Reduction Act, but how much did our efforts achieve for the climate? CCL Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli crunched the numbers and has the answer. Join us!

10/23: Powering Up Statewide Media - Learn about CCL’s new Statewide Media Manager role — a leadership position designed to strengthen media work across entire states, not just individual chapters. Taking best practices from CCL’s successful Liaison Program, Statewide Media Managers will coordinate media relations statewide with direct support and guidance from CCL’s Communications team. Join us!